On Monday 23 June 2025, Council endorsed a direction for Olympic Leisure Centre (OLC). While this will see the closure of the centre’s ageing aquatic facilities at the end of October this year, it will also transform the much-loved community facility into a hub for expanded health, fitness, community and library services.

Council's decision

In the 2025/26 Budget, Council allocated $1.8 million towards Olympic Leisure Centre. This will deliver:

• a new 30-hour-a-week library service from March 2026 (replacing the existing 3-hours-per-week mobile library service)
• repurposing the decommissioned pools to double the size of the gym, fitness and indoor recreation offerings
• additional community programming activities in partnership with community and service providers.

Council also committed to:

• providing free or subsidised access for 12 months to Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre for current aquatic users of Olympic Leisure Centre
• exploring alternative options for the existing women’s-only programming
• commission a feasibility study for a new zero-depth water play park in Heidelberg West

Council statement

Says Banyule Mayor Cr Elizabeth Nealy, “This has been a complex and challenging issue, and I want to acknowledge the strong connection many in our community have with Olympic Leisure Centre.”

“While we can’t deliver all aspects of the original vision, bringing a new library and expanded gym and health and wellbeing services to OLC is an exciting and much needed step forward”

“Council will work closely with everyone impacted by this decision to ensure a smooth transition for Olympic Leisure Centre.”